Seven West Midlands schools have been named among the most creative in England as part of a £110 million Government scheme.

The Schools of Creativity will now set out on their own £2 million three-year projects to raise standards and develop much needed skills using creative learning.

Brays School, Lillian de Lissa Nursery and Belgravia Children's Centre, Queensbridge School, all in Birmingham, The Earls High School in Halesowen, Leighswood Primary School in Walsall, Trinity Primary School and Deansfield High School, both in Wolverhampton, will use the latest educational techniques to bring creativity to the heart of learning.

Brays School headteacher Jane Edgerton said: "Creative Partnerships has shown us that it is possible to boost teachers' belief in their own abilities, and in their motivation, whilst still maintaining high expectations of the children, themselves and their teaching assistants.

"Assessment of our pupils' progress is measured in small steps across a broad curriculum, and this has demonstrated the benefits of creative teaching and learning."

Culture minister Margaret Hodge said: "All of the evaluations of the programme tell us the same thing - that bringing artists and other creative professionals into schools to work on long term projects has real benefits for all concerned.

"These schools are a shining testament to what can be achieved when these different worlds come together and I'm delighted that they will be sharing their experiences and practice with other schools in their area."